Paul McGrath
Question:236 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to amend Regulations 24/73 of 1973 in relation to the payment of domiciliary care to qualifying parents of handicapped children. [14424/98]
Written Answers. - Health Board Allowances.
Domiciliary care allowance is paid by health boards in respect of children between the ages of two and 16 years who are so severely physically or mentally disabled that they require care and attention which is considerably in excess of that normally required by a child of the same age. The scheme was introduced by way of Circular No. 24/73 in 1973 and operates under Section 61 of the 1970 Health Act which empowers a health board to make arrangements to assist in the maintenance at home of a sick or infirm person or a dependant of such a person or a person who, but for the provision of a service for him under the section, would require to be maintained otherwise than at home. I have no immediate plans to amend the regulations. However, a number of queries have been raised recently in relation to the qualifying age for this allowance and I am arranging to have these examined further in my Department.